Henryk Wieniawski - Violin Concerto Nr.1 | Ray Chen | Cristian Măcelaru | WDR Sinfonieorchester

[@franciscadavies]

it’s unfortunate that this concerto isn’t often played. It is definitely a most unusual composition, with its ridiculously complex passages, with it not being in an open string key, rarely used techniques, such as downbow flying staccato, and many more. This concerto should always be remembered as physical evidence that unlike some other Violinist composers, Wieniawski was not only fantastic at composing for the Violin, he was capable of creating fantastic compositions for full orchestra and solo violin. He was very much a gifted man.

[@MrTomo323]

And he was only in his teens when he wrote and played it too!

[@violinhunter2]

Many knowledgeable persons consider Wieniawski superior to Paganini. Wieniawski died at age 44 - Paganini at age 54. When Wieniawski was born, Paganini had only one more year to live. Among many interesting things about him is that he wrote a cadenza for the famous Mendelssohn concerto and dedicated some of his works to other violinists. At least five superior violins by Stradivari and Guarneri bear his name. Unfortunately, Chen has many intonation difficulties with this work but I am absolutely certain that he is aware of the problems and will keep working on it until he gets those glitches out of this piece - he plays it with style though.

[@irisce2799]

@@violinhunter2 I agree that his intonation is below the standards set for a player of his caliber. However, I must say I enjoyed his interpretation the most out of all recordings of this piece that I've heard. There's just more excitement, passion, aggression, and liveliness than other recordings in my opinion.

[@violinhunter2]

@@irisce2799 Yes.

[@ElleSunminLee]

@@MrTomo323 omg,,, such a genius.....!

[@dannyboy2267]

Every part of the concerto I. Allegro. Moderato 0:00 - the opening of the concerto 0:21 - tutti start 2:59 - build up for solo entrance 3:14 - explosive solo entrance 4:24 - mix of power & calmness 5:25 - skip-pie part 6:34 - slow & calming part 7:40 - bright part 8:07 - triumphant part 9:56 - grand ending of phrase 10:55 - cadenza start 13:00 - similar to 6:34 but with flute 13:36 - hopeful & pleading part 13:58 - anxious & panicky part 14:25 - most epic part 14:57 - last phrase of 1st mvmt 15:30 - ending of 1st mvmt ll. Preghiera. Larghetto 16:18 - the beginning 18:01 - soft solo start 19:15 - same melody but emptier 20:24 - hopeful part 21:00 - quiet ending of 2nd mvmt III. Rondo. Allegro Giocoso 21:24 - the beginning 21:33 - solo start 22:20 - powerful part 23:02 - cute ending of phrase 23:16 - warm part 24:31 - calm & light part 25:52 - main theme return 26:34 - 23:16 but different notes 27:15 - most beautiful part 27:40 - panicky part 28:26 - intense ending of the Concerto

[@adamkovacs4265]

Yes. One of the kinghts of the youtube comment sections just arrived. Thanks

[@raineaye]

What a champion. Thanks so much for this.

[@christopherwu7918]

I agree with everything except for the sad part. I feel like the Powerful but Sad part should be powerful and hopeful. Just my thoughts. Great job though! (Yeah I'm that same guy from Yu-Chien Tseng's Sibelius lol)

[@thesouthernredbean]

ádám kovács ，。啦啦啦啦 pl老婆啦啦啦啦漂亮漂亮老婆，pllllpl llll 了， ， ， l

[@夏之樂弦樂團]

Waiting for 3rd mvmt

[@alecrobinson7124]

That was such an outstanding performance, he played unbelievably. There's a reason this concerto doesn't get performed a lot, and Ray just nailed it.

[@alexsaldarriaga8318]

Like a fish in water or a bird in the air, Ray Chen is squarely in his element in this concerto. It is indeed one of the best interpretations of this crazy difficult piece. It's rarely played in public for various reasons that I won't bore your with. Suffice to say that I'm impressed with Chen's wizardry. Bravo!!

[@melissat9120]

I always enjoy reading your thoughtful comments! 🙂

[@alexsaldarriaga8318]

Thank you Melissa! I think the world of Ray Chen. He’s a wonderful ambassador of the violin in our age. Like Itzhak Perlman, he connects readily with the audience in his own special way. I’m sure his great teacher, Aaron Rosand, is proud of him and smiling approvingly from heaven. Warm regards to you, Alex Saldarriaga 🎻

[@alexwilson1910]

Friend of mine spoke to Rosand in 2017 for a masterclass, not long before his passing last year. The maestro said Ray had recorded a 90th birthday tribute to him and that he (rosand) thought very highly of him as a violinist

[@leldeud1633]

Definitely not one of the best. Too sloppy and out of tune imo

[@kirstencorbett2289]

Lel Deud Give him a break though, it is one of the hardest concertos written for violin both in terms of technique and stamina required. The concerto is hardly performed as a result, nobody dares to play it. Not many people play it with this much passion either.

[@jason101other]

This concerto is so freaking gorgeous. And Ray Chen always delivers an amazing performance.

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you ❤

[@YalcinEren]

I'm not a violin player or any other instrument player, I'm just a listener. I should say this concerto sounds like fighting with dragon and dancing with it in an absolute harmony in same time. Ray Chen plays it and fights it really good but my mind cannot comprehend how da hell Wieniawski composed this. Whatta genius.

[@blauespony1013]

I saw this live ... I was so impressed with everyones playing!

[@miwir1248]

Blaues Pony lucky you!

[@BenJaeger55]

Mee too !

[@blauespony1013]

​@Gabriel Henschen Nope, but I betrayed Ray Chen the moment the flutist started playing (I am a flutist myself). By the way: The conductor lowered his baton - that did confuse the audience into clapping. My guess at least. The audience never clapped between movements except this once!

[@pekkoaakko3998]

@Gabriel Henschen u know that it is quite popular in germany to clap between movements. i personally like that way, especially after suchs a great 1st movement

[@blauespony1013]

@Christopher Reichun Wu Be careful or I start gushing about all those tiny nuances, the flute parts, the basses, the overall dynamics, how well everyone worked together etc. I mean, Ray Chen was there for this particular piece, but the orchestra played 4 pieces all together and every single one was exceptional!

[@dolphinreacts532]

You know a piece is difficult when the soloist plays the tutti section to warm up

[@aniyagonzalez_]

LAMDOSOSO LITERALLY

[@aniyagonzalez_]

@@andresrozsa637 it’s REALLY not that deep!

[@Patrick-cc3ub]

@@andresrozsa637 sarcasm or stupid?

[@martathequenn3835]

LOL I love this joke

[@epic642]

Every Violin Piece is hard.. You should Practice Practice Practice To make it easy 🥳😎

[@2ears1mouth786]

I'd pay hundreds of thousands to go back in time and see Wieniawski play, compose, and improvise. That would be stunning beyond words.

[@randotryhard6072]

Agreed

[@antoniyvolkovviolin]

me too...

[@manishsigdel824]

I think time travel would cost a lot more

[@letsgobrandon2183]

@@manishsigdel824 😂

[@tj-co9go]

But would you be ready to pay as much for the artists of today to start their career, to compose new music? If you pay me hundreds of thousands of dollars I will compose similar masterpieces

[@peloconcha6263]

he has improved a lot in the last years, you can notice a musical maturity in him, which is great...a fuckin difficult concerto but so emotional, wieniawski was a damn intense poet

[@nickdavis965]

I think he is my favorite violin composer aswell. Not only did Wieniawski have an innate ability to brilliantly play violin. He was an awesome composer and very well could have been on par with the great romantic composers if he fully pursued composition. Also indeed Ray's musicality here is amazing, the opening, while intense, isn't played flashy, its pouring out emotion.

[@owenmcneill7746]

I agree, but please don't swear

[@katie4623]

I’d be so distracted if I were an orchestra member with him as soloist - torn between playing my part and wanting to focus on his performance.

[@glaucoma888]

i think we know what you mean but didnt say

[@dbot8977]

Go on autopilot!

[@anonymousperson2948]

Multitasking 🤷

[@GourSmith]

You can do both … You’re supposed to be doing both.

[@jwang4740]

Hearing that concerto and seeing Chen's performance I know why the earth is still spinning and mankind is not crushed by a meteorite yet because God must be enjoying this so much. :)

[@killfistr]

TwoSet has made me (noob to claasical music) appreciate the talent, devotion, and professionalism required to play this piece. While I do not not all the techniques, I have a greater understanding of how much I don not know!

[@hansvuik6773]

haha same

[@blondiesque_8237]

Me too!

[@jorgefraile218]

4 MIL WIENAWSKI DROP!

[@astroneural]

15:50 Ray and the conductor were saying "hey, this is a good audience, they aren't clapping in between movements". And then they clapped.

[@kyrushkoo]

Fml..

[@AlephThree]

I think they were just saying: nailed that! Not guaranteed with a piece at that level of virtuosity.

[@Nubsta5]

Honestly, that first movement was clap worthy, holy.

[@alandeutsch9987]

that first movement was just as rare as clapping between movements

[@andykyhm2480]

Most underrated concerto ever! Ray nailed it!

[@nicsnip]

I got a ticket for this concert and am so happy right now, that they put it on youtube for me to relive this great experience. It was so fantastic! Thanks to all the participants.

[@pauloamaral6069]

Where you were sitting? I want to pick your face in the video 😂😂😂😂.

[@ianhuangncubed]

I keep coming back to this. Despite the out of tune tenths, pretty much everything Ray does with this piece more than makes up for it. The sheer sound and virtuosity he is able to achieve with this piece is outmatched.

[@MsPea]

Ray is so sweet to give his flowers to the lady in the first row. What a nice treat for her.

[@Musicrafter12]

I can't believe I'm only just now realizing how long Ray's pinkies are...

[@citylidamj8898]

Sean Brown His hands are as big as Heifetz’s.

[@Scriabin_fan]

No wonder he reaches those tenths with ease

[@lottaart7848]

Same.

[@yiwanye1221]

geniuses are born not created!

[@autymnwilliams6282]

i just noticed that too i was like wow imagine being able to vibrate that well on a 4th finger

[@andacomfeeuvou]

A historic performance. It takes a lot of inner energy to do what he did with ease and a smile on his face. An exceptional soloist.

[@peterlim5730]

This should be in the repertoire of every listener who loves violin concertos. Intense, fiery, immensely demanding. Ray, you are legendary! Fiddler from Melb

[@TheAbnerCoutinho]

Twoset violin should react to this, to point out why this is so difficult, therefore rarely (almost never, really) played.

[@bindak]

Abner Silva maybe they’ll play it in two years haha

[@spasicaleksa41]

As a violinist i can tell you that there are harder concertos than this one, this one just wasn't as successful as the no. 2 d minor. I would recommend you to listen to that one.

[@danielbuczynski4561]

@Aleksa Spasic first learn how to spell violinist

[@spasicaleksa41]

@@danielbuczynski4561 I don't believe that you had time to check me up for typos.Instead of finding typos why don't you give your own opinion if you are so clever?

[@danielbuczynski4561]

@Aleksa Spasic i agree that there are some harder concertos still i cant see nothing wrong on what he said

[@Eristhenes]

Sometimes I find an artist's performance so complete there is no need to listen to anyone else's performance: Eureka! Chen's intensity is gripping and intoxicating!!

[@StanObirek]

Today is Henryk Wieniawski 185 birthday. Brilliant virtuoso and composer lived a vibrant life, not affraid to take many risks, died too early. Happy birthday Henryk!

[@JoyceEast]

Brilliant, natural talent plus true dedication and a big heart! Look at him give away his bouquet in the end to a granny.

[@BlackHawk1335]

Amazing, so many linglings in 1 orchestra. Pure joy

[@herbertkronzucker8367]

Wonderful command over a devilishly difficult piece. Ray's slender, Paganini-length fingers are a great advantage here, and he is a sensation on stage. There is always some humour, coupled to great facial expressions, and an appreciation of the audience comes through every time. Luckily, I have heard him many times, and will try to catch as many of his future performances as I can. Of course, mid-piece applause (a purist's bane) could not be contained :).

[@VincentGiza-Composer]

One of, if not the most powerful and intense solo openings of all concertos I’ve heard. Well done Ray!

[@antonywong3751]

A lively and powerful performance from Ray Chen! His interpretation of the music is moving.

[@WDRKlassik]

🤗

[@chamallow989]

I don’t know how it can be possible but Ray plays everything the exact way I want to hear them. Every single time

[@murilloman9130]

Waw, upbow stacc,nailing those high notes, even double harmonics. All hail ray.

[@laipo1175]

Murillo man Actually he did fail some of the harmonics and staccato passages...

[@motoguo7947]

Lai Po and?

[@laipo1175]

Moto Keek and thats not how he called "nailed" the double harmonics and staccatos :)

[@kushgroover54]

@@laipo1175 he played it as well or better than it could have intended to be played and that would define 'nailing it', not perfection as you say

[@murilloman9130]

@@laipo1175 i didnt mean perfect, i meant he did it really well

[@christu8148]

Screw that "Don't applaud between movements" rules, that's composer's business. A great Virtuoso like Ray totally worth a giant applause after such BRAVO 1st movement! Leave this comment right after listened to 1st movement.

[@maddiepilz5711]

During Wieniawski's time people actually applauded between movements if they liked it, so it's not even "composer's business", just some weird today's rule.

[@Eristhenes]

I hate it when people ignorant of the rules clap between movements. This CLEARLY was not that. The audience may clap if the performance is outstanding. Generally, that only happens in opera. It was good to see how appreciative and musically intelligent the audience was.

[@GourSmith]

It genuinely ruins the immersion. There’s literally no reason to ever clap between movements of any work of music. It’s disrespectful-period. No exceptions. It shows a complete lack of sensitivity and demonstrates sentimental character. Maybe you think they’re showing extra respect by disturbing the continuity and immersion of the music … But that’s just not the case at all. Silence is golden. It shows you’re captivated and fully invested in what’s happening. Clap and applaud as loud as you want *when the music is completely finished* 🙄

[@gaaandal8626]

just when i think he's already perfect, he gets even better

[@Sophia-vp8nx]

Exactly.

[@gsm2424]

Lol he makes that millon dolar violin sound harsh and metallic, the lasts bars sounds like a chainsaw. Check out Shaham / Perlman / Rabin rendition on this concerto...

[@leldeud1633]

DenimSoul 89 i love shahams one!

[@acomposer2489]

You must have a very bad ear to think its perfect. No wounder many fake violinist thinks they can fool the world now a days.

[@practicboi40hrs46]

@@gsm2424 maybe thats the sound he was going for i never know plus the audience didnt seem to care so

[@raymondtingkahlikkpm-guru73]

What a gifted Player and what a brilliant composer !!! BRAVO RAY CHEN, you do your teacher a great justice here.

[@baolizhang4596]

我最近一直在欣賞您的出色演奏，這首作品實在令人驚嘆不已！其難度數倍于其它作品（包括帕格尼尼）！我非常欣賞您的音樂感和舞台感染力！我的心隨著琴聲舞動著… 旋律優美感人令人人回味無窮…..我也生活在紐約多年，也曾是專業音樂人，希望有机會在卡內基或林肯中心去聽您的天才演奏🙏🙏👍👍

[@ercongluo4125]

Not only impressive, filled with emotions. Loved it!!

[@aramkhachaturian8043]

Jeez, you can sometimes hear how hard the music is. Especially the jumps or chords that you have to play so high up, Ray is doing such a good job of making them speak. Right when it feels like he might make a mistake he proves me wrong and absolutely nails this piece without losing any of its quality to his own interpretation. Well done Mr. Chen.

[@cael7919]

you know its good when they clap between movements

[@miwir1248]

cael I’m sure this audience knows not to clap between movements....and yet....it was so well played that they just HAD to clap and appreciate it!

[@johnybm785]

when they don t clap or even breath. :)

[@sneddypie]

its actually a lot better when they cant clap. it just shows how taken aback the audience is by his/her playing. i would honestly find it a lot more complimenting if they dont clap

[@leldeud1633]

They’re clapping cuz they want it to be over lmao

[@preciousjewelamor]

The Classical Nerd of Classical in our school we call that “inexplicable silence” and one type of audience impact

[@_sylj]

Brett should play this for the next livestream

[@jorgefraile218]

Exactly! Someone that thinks like me finally!

[@mathiasviolinist]

Haha yess

[@ianhuangncubed]

I think Ray’s aggressive playing style nowadays is perfect for this piece

[@juliannaversola]

I feel like a better word for his playing is intensely passionate

[@johndavemillet2795]

I always felt butterflies swirling around my stomach whenever I listened to Violin concerto of rare talents, like that of Ray Chen's! What a genius violinist!

[@loraabramova1342]

Брависсимо! Как долго я искала этот концерт! Невероятно красивая мелодия.Талантливый композитор!

[@PianoHypnoshroom]

the end there from 27:00 onwards... just incredible, you can see wieniawski's talent in both playing the violin and composing orchestral pieces

[@kiersteng201]

Can we just appreciate how much fun Ray’s having with that third movement

[@uelrington9270]

Oh my !! This is first time I am watching, listening !!!!! It’s beautiful and dynamic violin concerto , Ray plays beautifully with full of power and emotions , I haven’t watched his concerts for some time , I am glad that found this wonderful concert , many thanks uploading !!!!!!

[@ecoledeconduiteleteve160]

Magnifique ! J’adore ce concerto. Merci à cet immense interprète et à cet excellent orchestre de m’avoir comblé avec cette interprétation. Une musicalité hyper profonde alliée à une technique sans faille. Du très très grand violon 🎻 bravo !

[@WDRKlassik]

Merci beaucoup 🤗

[@irisce2799]

When I listen to this I always get the feeling that this performance/piece sounded way better live in person, with certain qualities of the music just needing the solid, reverberating tones of a high quality concert hall rather than a small speaker.

[@irisce2799]

Such as 13:30 through 14:30

[@blauespony1013]

It was amazing to watch and to listen to this piece live. I am still so very happy that I used that opportunity to see Ray live.

[@ribhavgupta6148]

Anything Ray plays becomes the best interpretation of the piece...

[@dannyboy2267]

Questionable statement to say the least.

[@HuyHoang-bw8lz]

I have everything to prove you wrong and I know your assumption is wrong, but why bother, this is the internet

[@ribhavgupta6148]

@@HuyHoang-bw8lz I'm not here to fight guys! 😅 Would love to hear your recommendations. I really like his Devil's Trill Sonata and Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Do recommend your favourite recordings of that pieces. Edit: I'm not a musician, and you guys seem like you know the stuff well. It'll be my pleasure to learn from you guys. Makes me appreciate music even more.

[@HuyHoang-bw8lz]

Sorry I was being immature lol. The best interpretation of this piece belongs to Perlman I think. Extremely clean and effortless technique, which makes the piece sounds like music, not that struggling flying up bow staccato. About Devil's trill sonata I like Anne Sophie Mutter the best, such vigorous vibrato and thicc tone. Check out Heifetz and Oistrahk for Tchaikovsky violin concerto. And I recommend my all time favorite interpretations: Michael Rabin's Glazunov violin concerto, Sergey Khachatryan 's Brahms violin concerto (you may know Oistrahk's), Heifetz's Bruch violin concerto and Sibelius violin concerto (Bruch and Sibelius should be played that way i think, swift and powerful but not less romantic for Bruch) Ps: Ponce estrelita by Heifetz.

[@pekkoaakko3998]

@@HuyHoang-bw8lz This is just a waste of time from me so sorry already😅but i personally like rays version better. Perlman's sound is very mature and warm, with extremely precise intonation etc. but ray's version has a video which really gives full image of the performance. Also i think ray's recording is much fresher. I understand why you like Perlmans more but i think this simply more enjoyable because of the video. Its really just pointless to argue about these things!

[@mcrettable]

there's something i strangely like about him playing the opening with the orchestra. am I assuming correctly that that wasn't written?

[@zhandosmansurov6668]

That's Tutti

[@Santiju1]

It's tutti, if you want it to, it's ok, and if you don't it's ok too; most soloists won't do it tho

[@minghaoliu483]

The Tutti is really long he might feel too awkward just standing there so he played along

[@jasonqing7083]

Its also good when ur nervous or the piece is difficult and require a bit of warm up

[@ribhavgupta6148]

Thanks for the info everyone!! Being a non musician, it's always great to learn! 😁

[@nasfrink1991]

Upon all the concerto's in the repertoire, this for me is the most beautiful. I have tears in my eyes every single time I listen to it. And Ray just made it even more beautiful 😭😭😭

[@nelsoncheng4638]

Matthew Eshun. It's also really fun to play, especially the first movement.

[@Sieghardt.Saladin]

@@nelsoncheng4638 💀

[@christaherwig0404]

Here Ray Chen clearly shows his excellent can. He plays the violin in perfection with incomparable expression. He has also become incomparable. Great!

[@alwt1991]

Wie's No.1 is among the most difficult violin concertos, just the first 10th double stop is a killer

[@winglow7615]

I never thought Ray Chen was this good until I had a chance to play this piece myself. It is so extremely difficult I don't want to spend my lifetime learning it. And that's why it's rarely performed. It was easy for Wieniawski to put it on paper. Maybe he could even play it himself.

[@ajmaltaujoo4277]

Someone on here criticized his intonation--if that commenter is reading this: welcome to real life, pal. Every solo performance is not going to be perfectly squeaky clean. Ray is human, not a robot. ESPECIALLY with this concerto that relies almost entirely on technical finesse to even work. Every video or recording that an artist puts out is edited and pitch-adjusted to some degree, and it's all for views and following, just like any other celebrity platform. The imperfections are part of being an artist and don't need ABSOLUTE MERCILESS scrutiny every time.

[@astrobot702]

Ray and Benny Tseng are my fave violin bros... On point all the time... The emotions just pour out in their performances.

[@aldodelac.4080]

Totally agree with you!

[@JasielMartini]

I honestly don't understand how this video only has 589k views lol. There aren't even that many recordings of this concerto anywher. Ray's performance is superb.

[@HrishaDoshi]

It was the most ethereal and lyrical performance !bravo ray chen, just bravo!

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you :)

[@adamdesanti6713]

What an exceptional violinist! Absolutely amazing!

[@WDRKlassik]

😊

[@kewlforever6463]

I have been waiting for this!He played bits of this on his Instagram account and it sounded so good.This performance is too good for words!

[@acomposer2489]

The performance is not the sound neither the talented of music, you get good magician's and bad magician's

[@aldodelac.4080]

@@acomposer2489 lol why do you hate Ray?

[@maddiepilz5711]

@@acomposer2489 ok boomer

[@practicboi40hrs46]

@@maddiepilz5711 might be a troll channel or somethin

[@gongfu4562]

The tenths on such level right at the beginning of solo part just kill 99% of violinist...and the rest part will give a hundred heart attack...

[@acomposer2489]

Yes it kills all violinist because they fail to understand the instrument and structure.

[@Nnnmmmkkk]

I mean he is great, but these tens were a little bit out of tune

[@dannyboy2267]

@@Nnnmmmkkk Yea that's true, but we can all agree on that he still made it epic with his unique interpretation!

[@Nnnmmmkkk]

@@dannyboy2267 that's right!!

[@poop10692]

N. k guarantee you 95% of the audience members aren’t musicians and could not tell the difference

[@henrikschunk5732]

I love how hes just performing with so much joy, it's really captivating!

[@duggiefresh8170]

My jaw just hit the ground! Just superb!

[@maithreyikrishnan4394]

Omg that tone!I will continue to listen to this,this is outstanding

[@robotnik77]

LOL, the people who hear some intonation; why do you think most virtuosi avoid this concerto - because it's a walk in the park? The great Heifetz, who I am sure could have played everything by Paganini with ease, never recorded any of his concerti; why? He was very guarded about his reputation for perfection, and I posit that if he made one slip during recording, critics would seize on that one fault for 200 years. BTW, on a side note, one of Kreisler's pedagogues told him that the great Wieniawski played with what we would now call the modern vibrato, which was pretty rare in those days. Ysaye, who followed him had it. Wieniawski must have been a very unique musician, especially in his time. Music is to be enjoyed - enjoy the performance and the music and remember not to put vinegar in your drink before the concert . Remember the great Chopin; some of his own works he could not play very well; he deferred to Franz Liszt, who reportedly played them better. For my part, I'm enjoying this to the full - wolf notes be damned. I can see that Mr. Chen enjoys playing it, too. It's all about enjoyment, isn't it?

[@roccotarli762]

I’m beyond words!! Most breathtaking performance I’ve ever experienced!

[@irisce2799]

When I first heard this performance, I thought it had too many intonation errors - but the more I listen to this, the more I LOVE it! It has become my go-to music every time I'm using the computer!

[@PomegranateChocolate]

I have the same feeling. First time when I heard it the tone is screeching. Now I play it often when I use my computer.

[@susannestechow3651]

❣👌🖕😮😃

[@susannestechow3651]

Difficult piece.

[@theindoorkites]

The second movement always sends chills down my spine with how warm and pretty it is..

[@othmanmajid6380]

A true artist....no playing safe and 100% centred....so many performances can sound so safe, secure and technically correct....and of course tasteful....stunningly performed....the orchestra and conductor enjoyed the full musical experience....so happy to have heard and seen this performance.....thank you.

[@WDRKlassik]

Our pleasure! We're happy that you enjoyed our performance 🤗

[@aramkhachaturian8043]

Did I just see Ray play along with the orchestra in the beginning? Gotta admit must be fun being one with the orchestra

[@emilyhutjes]

Music for our troubled souls and Ray Chen brings it to us. Just fantastic. Thank you Ray.

[@warrencohen8246]

I once played piano for a violinist who wanted to play it because "everyone does the 2nd Concerto", He was a huge guy with giant hands so he had no trouble at all with the 10ths but he had to slow down for the double stops at around 5:30, which I thought was funny. I really enjoyed playing it, and I think it is quite beautiful actually, and it's nice to hear it played by someone at this level.

[@Faithhg310]

I keep coming back again and again to this video…perfection!👌🏽

[@Gusi8898]

Yooo FINALLY! :D (I also love how he plays the intro w/the orchestra)

[@carolync1683]

I particularly admire the Rondo. Mr Chen is magnificent. my heart flutters as if angels have come to join the performance. Thank you so much for your excellence.

[@WDRKlassik]

We're happy that you like the performance! 🤗

[@carolync1683]

@@WDRKlassik I am so moved by the entire piece everytime I hear it. beautifully performed by everyone.

[@CodyWeinmannComposer]

I love this. Ray, you are an incredible violinist! Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@Faithhg310]

Wow! What a beautifully composed piece- so glad this popped up in my feed!❤

[@kewlforever2793]

I keep coming back to this recording

[@TheSparshofMusic-wn7de]

Amazing!👍👍👍The ending was absolutely perfect! This is my favourite interpretation of this concerto!

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you! 🤗

[@hollywoodmaddi2892]

Korrekt der 1. Kommentar. Wie geil. Danke wdr. Ton und bild perfekt. Satzbezeichnungen drin ,top. Dazu ein genialer violinist.

[@WDRKlassik]

Lieben Dank und Grüße vom WDR Sinfonieorchester! :)

[@blauespony1013]

@@WDRKlassik Vielen Dank auch für die tolle Arbeit. Ich habe das ganze Konzert gesehen und war noch Tage danach von der Leistung des Orchesters beeindruckt. Großartig und voller Hingabe gespielt!

[@RezactOFFICIAL]

Okay... What an expression from Ray...This is the level of music where you can put your feelings into your instrument, and you can communicate your audience and watchers.

[@sharon5965]

That camera angle at 11:11 was really cool. Almost as if you could see from his perspective

[@jasonkwon1994]

Ray chen seems to enjoy the music as much as the listeners. Wonderful.

[@WDRKlassik]

🤗

[@jeffersonfsoares]

16:16 2st movement 21:22 3st movement

[@jj22arc90]

The second movement never failed to make me teary with its romantic and pure melody every time I come back to listen to it, playing all the notes on the G string really sounds like a singing voice, and with Ray’s beautiful vibrato, impossible to not get emotional

[@WDRKlassik]

We're glad that you like it 🤗

[@TylerLeonard-wr9yr]

I don't know how controversial this is, but I think this is the best violin concerto ever written.

[@sabrinai]

That sacrilegious clapping after the 1st movement! Though i get it. Ray Chens playing is just flawless!

[@gretaaleksa4502]

An absolutely breathtaking performance by the incredible Ray Chen and the great WDR Sinfonie Orchester. ❤

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you 🤗

[@abdulaamir1070]

Legendary violinist ida haendel once said that paganini violin concerto was a child's play compared to wieniawski She said that this concerto was an absolute murder from the first to the last note

[@OutOfWards]

Ahh such an amazing concerto. Had me glued to my seat in ecstasy. Ray Chen adding that touch is the cherry on top! Beautiful setting, and great audience! Wish I was there! Thank you for recording and uploading for all of us to enjoy!

[@WDRKlassik]

Happy to hear you like it!😊

[@maelperron_guerra4946]

This is incredible! Beyond words

[@freeziies]

Bravo, outstanding performance! I had tickets for a concert with Ray in the end of Oktober but due to Coronavirus it was cancelled. Recordings like this really help to get through those times and I'm very grateful to live in a time where you can listen to such beautiful recordings on demand. Thanks to Ray and the Kölner Philharmonie for uploading this wonderful recording.

[@WDRKlassik]

Sehr gerne, wir grüßen vom WDR!

[@lechlaskowski6723]

Maybe let's thank Wieniawski yet.

[@flo_ayala]

Sometimes Ray's suit gets blended with the dress of the lead of the seconds violins and it looks like he is wearing one long fancy suit

[@wadrianalefe6490]

The clarinettist is surely enjoying himself playing this piece! Superb!

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you 😊

[@keshavshah752]

crazy intonation and speed at 27:59 absolutely stunning ray chen

[@celloviji1]

its amazing the orchestra sounds beautiful , coming to RAY he dominated the full orchestra and he was technicaly outstanding , this concerto sounds great

[@hollywoodmaddi2892]

Geniales meisterwerk von wieniawski. Ray Chen schenkt oma noch einen blumenstrauß. Ach ist die welt nicht schön

[@Joker-lt7pf]

Jawohl, besonders Deutschland ist sowas von schön 🤮

[@karlrodiger7580]

@@Joker-lt7pf Naja, man kann auch übertreiben

[@MariaRamos-jm8bf]

Inigualable, genial, gran talento...Ray Chen, me dejas sin palabras ......cerrar los ojos y escuchar..... maravilloso

[@WDRKlassik]

🤗

[@jurgenabela9600]

Plays everyyyyy note clearly. This is a tour de force concerto, which is rarely played since it is difficult. Ray Chen gives a really good interpretation....

[@JLgG2454]

...what a difference a year makes! This time I was able to enjoy this, unaborted, it was wonderful particularly as I love this concerto as well as Ray Chen. Thank You!

[@WDRKlassik]

You're welcome! We're glad that you like it 😊

[@weslee4423]

Soyoung Yoon's playing of this piece in the Wieniawski Competition was flawless and perfect . CHECK IT OUT TOO!! she won 1st place